FUNDING for a barrier at a car park which has been visited by travellers eight times this year has been approved by town councillors, despite concern over who is footing the bill.

Ross-on-Wye Town Council heard the issue had prompted a huge response from residents concerned about the impact the visits have had on the town's businesses and tourism.

Travellers have pitched up at the Red Meadow car park eight times this year, with the last visit around two weeks ago.

Gavin Oates, who operates a business from the swimming pool car park, said he notices that buses do not park in the car park while travellers are there.

He said: "It is as if we are easy picking. I feel frustrated. I feel so sorry for businesses in the town which are suffering."

Lesley Hodges, who lives in Kyrle Street, said the travellers are scaring elderly people who live near the pool because of the noise they make.

She said: "We are sick of the mess. When I walk through the car park to Aldi the smell of urine is horrendous."

Cllr Richard Mayo said he had looked at the options and proposed installing a barrier at the car park.

He said Halo had offered £500 towards the barrier and Herefordshire Council had agreed to match-fund this.

But Cllr Mayo asked the town council to approve up to £3,500 funding from general reserves for buying and installing the barrier and signage.

Cllr Chris Bartrum said although he agrees with installing a barrier, he believes Herefordshire Council should pay, as it is their car park and they benefit from the car parking charges.

He said: "This is a county council asset. It is actually protecting county council income. It is guarding the county council against the expense.

"I understand the residents having a big problem with it and I would if I lived right next door to where they are camping.

"It is not our problem at the end of the day- it is the county council. What I would like to ask people is what are we next going to be presented with that we can spend our money on?"

Cllr Hannah Lerego said while she appreciates the financial responsibility should lie with Herefordshire Council they have to live in the "real world" as there are cuts being made every where.

She said: "I have had 31 residents and three business contact me. Since becoming a councillor it is the most contact I have had."

Thirteen councillors voted in favour of funding the barrier, while three were against and one abstained.